Kaspersky- Llyod Deal for Security Software Under Attack by Phishers

Phishers have targeted the UK-based Lloyds TSB bank customers by sending a spam mail claiming to provide users a copy of Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 without any charges.

Users are asked to fill up an application form that steals personal data in exchange of security software. Actually the phishing attack exploits the deals taken place between Kaspersky and banks.

Kaspersky signed a deal with Barclays Bank to provide its customers with free security software earlier this year. Banks generally join hands with security companies to prevent their customers from falling for malware and phishing attacks.

As per Kaspersky, it has coordinated with some of the UK banks to offer its products to their customers, making Lloyds customers to believe that offer mentioned in the spam is genuine. Moreover, it has warned users to be careful against such attacks, particularly those mentioning distribution deals with banks. Generally customers are not informed about the deal through unsolicited e-mails.

Earlier, a prominent e-crime expert at Lloyds TSB said at the RSA Conference Europe held in London that online criminals could resort to forging links with each other offline if the law enforcement agencies continue their sting operation, making tracking and arrest of such attacks even more difficult.

However, senior management at Lloyds TSB are working under the assumption that majority of home systems are infected by malware; therefore, banks will start a new system of using one-use password. This password will be generated offline and send to the customer by phone call and SMS.

Furthermore, new organized methods evolving from online criminal activity are posing threat of democratizing fraud and undermining online traders and banks. In addition, nearly 50% of the phishing attacks are launched by small groups and individuals who exchange information and trade services with each other in chat rooms.

Moreover, over 20,682 phishing incidents were reported in Britain during the first half of 2008, a huge 186% up from the same period previous year (2007), as per the figures released by APACS.